The Google Store is currently offering a Memorial Day sale that knocks $200 off the price of the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL. This discount, available in the United States, brings the starting price down significantly for those looking to upgrade their smartphone. The sale comes just one month after a similar promotion, indicating Google's aggressive push to boost Pixel sales during the holiday weekend.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL, the largest and most feature-packed device in the lineup, normally retails for $1,099. With the $200 discount, the price drops to $899 for the base model. The standard Pixel 9, which starts at $799, now costs $599. These prices make the Pixel 9 series more competitive against other flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S24 series and the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The devices are available in multiple colors and storage configurations, with the discount applying across all options.
Google first launched the Pixel 9 series in August 2024, introducing four models: the standard Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The Pro XL variant features a 6.8-inch LTPO OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a Tensor G4 chipset, and a dual-camera system that includes a 50-megapixel main sensor, a 48-megapixel ultrawide, and a 48-megapixel telephoto lens. It also packs a 5,060 mAh battery with support for 37W wired charging when using an official Google 45W charger. The device runs Android 14 out of the box, with a promise of seven years of OS and security updates.
The Memorial Day sale is notable because it reduces the price of the Pixel 9 Pro XL to a level that undercuts many competing premium phones. For example, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, which starts at $1,299, remains more expensive even after its own discounts. Apple's iPhone 15 Pro Max, with a starting price of $1,199, also costs more. This pricing strategy helps Google gain traction in a market dominated by Apple and Samsung. In recent months, other retailers have briefly offered even steeper discounts on the Pixel 9 Pro XL, with prices dropping to $699 or occasionally $599 during flash sales. However, those were short-lived events or limited to specific carriers. The Google Store's promotion is more accessible and likely to last through the end of the holiday weekend.
From a hardware perspective, the Pixel 9 Pro XL builds on the strengths of its predecessor, the Pixel 8 Pro, with several key improvements. The Tensor G4 chip focuses on AI and machine learning tasks, powering features like Magic Editor, Photo Unblur, and Live Translate. The display is brighter and more energy-efficient, reaching up to 3,000 nits peak brightness. Camera performance remains a standout, with Google's computational photography delivering excellent low-light shots and natural color reproduction. The telephoto lens offers 5x optical zoom and up to 30x Super Res Zoom. The device also supports Satellite SOS for emergency connectivity when cellular networks are unavailable, a feature that debuted with the Pixel 9 series.
For users upgrading from older Pixel phones like the Pixel 7 Pro or Pixel 6 Pro, the jump to the Pixel 9 Pro XL brings significant gains in processing power, display quality, and battery life. The design has also been refined, with a flatter display and a more squared-off frame that resembles the iPhone design language. The camera bump is now a single horizontal bar rather than the visor-style arrangement of previous models. This change has been polarizing, but many users appreciate the improved feel in hand.
The timing of the Memorial Day sale is strategic. Many consumers receive time-off during the holiday and are in a spending mindset. By offering a substantial discount, Google hopes to capture impulse buyers and those who have been waiting for a price drop before committing to a purchase. The sale also overlaps with other retail events, and bundling options are available, such as a free Pixel Buds or a case with the phone purchase. Some carriers like Mint Mobile and AT&T have also run their own promotions, including trade-in offers that make the Pixel 9 Pro effectively free on certain plans.
It is worth noting that the Pixel 9 Pro XL is not without its minor issues. Some users have reported that the device occasionally ignores corner taps, such as when trying to close the Gboard keyboard. Google has acknowledged this and is working on a fix via a software update. Additionally, the battery is harder to remove for repair compared to previous models, as teardowns have shown more adhesive and internal complexity. However, these are relatively small drawbacks for an otherwise excellent flagship phone.
Overall, the Google Store's Memorial Day sale presents a strong value proposition. Those in the market for a new smartphone should consider the Pixel 9 Pro XL if they prioritize camera quality, clean software, and long-term updates. The $200 discount makes it one of the best deals on a premium Android phone during the holiday. Potential buyers should act quickly, as inventory may run low and the promotion is expected to end on Memorial Day itself. For the best savings, ordering directly from the Google Store also ensures access to financing options and trade-in credits that can further reduce the price.
Source: 9to5Google News